Hamas leader in Tehran to meet Iranian leaders

Hamas said it would intensify its post assault diplomatic efforts to lift the Israeli blockade on the Gaza Strip, imposed with the help of Egypt.

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01 Şubat 2009 Pazar 10:03

A high-level delegation from Hamas arrived in Tehran early on Sunday as part of a regional push to reinforce support for the Palestinian group after the Israeli invasion of Gaza, a Hamas official said.

Hamas views Israel assault as resulting in regional diplomatic gains for the group, with Turkey slamming Israel and Qatar convening a high profile meeting with the participation of Hamas.

Meshaal visited Qatar last week. Five other Hamas politburo members are accompanying Meshaal on the visit to Tehran.

Hamas said it would intensify its post assault diplomatic efforts to lift the Israeli blockade on the Gaza Strip, imposed with the help of Egypt.

Hamas regards the blockade, which damaged Gaza's economy and further impoverished the majority of the territory's population, as illegal collective punishments and cited it as a reason for not renewing a previous ceasefire for Israel in December.

Gazans live under heavy Israel siege for a long time and Egypt still insists on not to opening the only Gaza border crossing in a move condemned by Muslims around the world in protests, leaving Gazans desperate to digging tunnels underground and risking their lives.